Text messaging services only partially restored in occupied Kashmir: report

Published
The partial restoration of text messaging services has angered citizens who mourned the fact that they were unable it get in touch with their loved ones as the new year rolled in. — Reuters
The partial restoration of text messaging services has angered citizens who mourned the fact that they were unable it get in touch with their loved ones as the new year rolled in. — Reuters

Contrary to earlier claims, authorities in occupied Kashmir have only partially restored text messaging services for the residents of the valley almost five months after India revoked the region's special autonomy and imposed a strict communications lockdown, First Post reported on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, local government spokesman Rohit Kansal had said that the authorities will restore text messaging services in the region from Dec 31 "after reviewing the situation".

Read more: India's clampdown in occupied Kashmir has crossed 150 days — here's everything you need to know

However, according to First Post, text messaging services have only be restored for some cellular providers and not all.

The region's top administrative official, Baseer Khan, confirmed on Wednesday that text messaging services have only been restored for the users of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited. Meanwhile, an Airtel official stated that the order to restore services is "under implementation", the report added.

The partial restoration of text messaging services has angered citizens who mourned the fact that they were unable it get in touch with their loved ones as the new year rolled in, added the publication.

Opinion

Editorial

AJK elections
29 Jul, 2026

AJK elections

CONSIDERING the political unrest that has rocked Azad Jammu and Kashmir in the recent past, free and fair general...
Still vulnerable
29 Jul, 2026

Still vulnerable

THE State Bank’s decision to hold the policy rate at 11.5pc is a prudent response to the heightened risks the...
Guarding the past
29 Jul, 2026

Guarding the past

THE return of 513 smuggled archaeological artefacts from the US is a welcome homecoming for objects that should ...
Lull in fighting
Updated 28 Jul, 2026

Lull in fighting

AFTER two weeks of escalating violence, the US has halted its strikes on Iran, with Tehran also silencing it guns....
Water policy
28 Jul, 2026

Water policy

THE country is caught in a crisis where there too much water at the wrong time and too little when it is most ...
Ending hepatitis
28 Jul, 2026

Ending hepatitis

WORLD Hepatitis Day is being observed under the theme ‘Hepatitis: Let’s break it down’, a call to remove the...